Homocysteine is increasingly being recognized as an independent risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack), atherosclerosis (narrowing or blocking the arteries), high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease death. Homocysteine is a toxic waste product produced during metabolism of an amino acid called methionine. Diets high in meat and dairy generate excess methionine, which is converted by the body into homocysteine.

Folic acid helps break down homocysteine in the body. Studies have shown that higher blood levels of B vitamins are related to lower concentrations of homocysteine, and additional evidence demonstrates that low blood levels of folic acid are linked with an increased risk of fatal heart attack and stroke.

A study in the July issue of American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the effect of folic acid on pulse pressure as well as stiffness in large arteries. Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and the diastolic readings and appears to be an indicator of stiffness and inflammation in the blood-vessel walls. They used a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design on 41 people. The individuals randomly received 5 mg of folic acid per day or a placebo for 3 weeks.

They found that short-term supplementation with folic acid reduced pulse pressure in young men with normal or mildly elevated blood pressure. No adverse effects were reported and there were no significant changes in concentrations of vitamin B-12.

The authors conclude that, “In summary, short-term folic acid treatment reduces pulse pressure and arterial stiffness in young men. Our data indicated that folic acid is a safe and effective supplement that targets large artery stiffness and may reduce isolated systolic hypertension.”
HealthSentinel.com